Why Has All the Play Gone Away?

The New York Times runs an article today stating, "The word “kindergarten” means “children’s garden,” and for years has conjured up an image of children playing with blocks, splashing at water tables, dressing up in costumes or playing house. Now, with an increased emphasis on academic achievement even in the earliest grades, playtime in kindergarten is giving way to worksheets, math drills and fill-in-the-bubble standardized tests." Vivian Gussin Paley's book, A Child's Work: The Importance of Fantasy Play makes for an interesting read on children and play.